By Vince Matthew Jaramilla
With a historic stepladder playoff format at hand, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters lost out on a shortcut to the Finals after faltering against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 0-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s football tournament earlier today, October 28, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
Despite getting their own chances, FEU conceded a goal early as DLSU forward Jodi Banzon’s corner kick in the 16th minute found defender Maio Lubiano inside the penalty area for a header.
The green-and-gold squad rallied with physicality to penetrate through the green-and-white team’s defense, even producing chances through free and corner kicks, but were unable to capitalize until halftime, 0-1.
In the second half, the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ closest opportunity to score came during a scramble within the goal area in the 55th minute. Still, their numerous ball touches inside were not enough to force a deadlock.
While FEU was able to contain DLSU’s following attacks, they eventually found themselves suppressed again throughout the half.
With Morayta midfielder Tiffany Trinidad’s last shot sailing just above the goal right before the final whistle, the green-and-gold squad succumbed to the Taft-based booters, staining their record for the first time in the season and setting up a regular Final Four format instead of a stepladder.
In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Lady Tamaraw Booters head coach Let Dimzon expressed disappointment in missing an automatic Finals berth, highlighting the significance of a strong mentality moving forward.
“It’s a great opportunity for us na makuha ‘yung game. But again, most of the players are off. That’s why sinabi ko lang sa kanila is kailangan talaga namin mag-prepare and focus kasi nagiging problem is mental, especially if they feel pressure. Kailangan ‘yun (It’s a great opportunity for us to get the game. But again, most of the players are off. That’s why I just told them that we need to prepare and focus because the mentality becomes a problem, especially if they feel pressure. That’s needed),” she said.
Dimzon also praised DLSU’s character and talent, underlining the need to address FEU’s mistakes to compete.
“It will be a threat for us especially since ‘yung attitude and character ng La Salle, they showed [in today’s game]. Kailangan na talaga namin ma-address ‘yung mistakes, especially dun sa individual players (We really need to address our mistakes, especially those of the individual players). And then La Salle, they have the quality players, both technical and tactical,” the former Lady Tamaraw Booter added.
The 9-0-1 Dimzon-led squad will begin their postseason run with a twice-to-beat advantage against Ateneo de Manila University in the first-ever UAAP women’s football semifinals, with the date and venue yet to be announced.
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)